Topaz and team have begun their investigation into Benedetto and have found it to be quite fruitful. After aligning themselves with gym leader in training Candice, they managed to discover one of his warehouses and shut down his presence at the resort. Now they take the train to Highshire to locate his hideout in the Great Marsh.

I finished up cleaning Lou and took a quick shower in the train bathroom. Once I had finished getting redressed, I checked the dinner menu they had left on the table to read until there was a knock on the train car door. I threw away the towel I had been using to dry my hair and made my way to open it, revealing a ticket collector.

When I opened the door I nearly closed it in shock. He was wearing a full vampire attire complete with fangs and cape. Judging by the large ears and fluffy collar, it'd appear he was a Noivern vampire. "Good evening, ticket please?"

I handed him the ticket and he punched it in.

"Thank you, sir. Have you also decided what you would like for dinner?"

"Yes, actually. Croissant sandwiches for me and three electric meals for my Pokemon here please," I responded eagerly. Cenza seemed to perk up at the mention of a meal while Donut continued to gorge on donuts.

"Of course, we'll be right back with your order." After jotting that all down he made his way to the next person.

"Everyone is festive, huh…" My mind quickly flashed to the warehouse and the smuggler being crushed by a boulder before I shook my head. "Fitting time for horrors, but I can't say I'm interested in thinking about them again."

I stared out the window for a bit as we crossed the countryside. It was only until I checked the time when I realized what I had forgotten to do.

"Oh crap, I never called home!" Sure I could technically go where I pleased as my family weren't too strict on me, but they'd also love to know if I was even coming back on the same day. I reached for my phone and was about to click Volkner's name when I thought better.

Nah, he's too intuitive. He'd know something is up. I'll call grandma instead. She's lax about these things.

~One phone call later~

...okay so lax was an overstatement. She had heard the news and was extremely concerned, but after I convinced her that Benedetto was interested in selling wild Pokemon, not stealing trainer Pokemon did she seem to calm down. I told her I was the Grand Lake Resort since it had gotten too late to come home and that I'll be back tomorrow.

I could sense she had her own thoughts about it, but I had often stayed out days traveling out with Jade testing to see how far we could get before we had to go home. This wasn't a first time occurrence.

After promising her I'd be careful one more time she relented and wished me good night. I breathed a sigh of relief before collapsing on my bed.

Hopefully Volkner is too busy to bother calling me too. He doesn't have time or obligation to keep track of his kid nephew when his parents are the ones who are officially my guardians. Volkner doesn't need to worry about me, I've trained for this.

I looked around my sleeper car a bit more before I came to a realization. Violet wasn't coming back. These sleeper cars had 2 cots and ample space for small Pokemon. She should be staying here yet she has yet to make her return.

"Did Violet and Amethyst come back while I was in the shower?" I asked Donut.

[Nope. Why?]

"No reason… hmmm," I hummed as I got up to check the other train cars. Sleeper train cars weren't exactly cheap, so unless she had a lot more money than I thought I doubted she had gotten another one. After a quick check-in on the other rooms I was about to give up when I just so happened to peer into the cargo car.

You're kidding me? Are they staying in the cargo car? They have to be freezing in there, there's no heating.

I looked in deeper to see Violet and Amethyst in the dark, on the floor in a prayer position. In front of them was a tiny shrine, only a couple feet tall. It didn't look like any I'd seen though. Usually they were a miniature version of what you'd go to normally, just small so it's portable and with something denoting what legendary it is.

A crescent moon for Cresselia, a Gracidea flower for Shaymin and so on.

This one however didn't have any of that. Instead it was made from twisted wood that had leaves adorning the upper portion, giving it the appearance of a tree with a doorway in the trunk.

The inside of the wood was adorned with blue, almost lightning bolt streaks and a long, fluffy yellow fabric not unlike her scarf that hung from almost arm-like fixtures barring the way through the door.

So they're religious? Not that surprising I guess. Gods are Pokemon too. But it looks like they made the shrine by hand.

Judging by how intently they were praying I figured they'd be at it for a while. I'm not particularly religious, but I am Sinnohan and Alolan. Sinnoh legends had a hand in making our universe meanwhile the Alola Tapus safeguard their respective island. To knowingly interrupt another person's prayer, especially to a shrine, was considered to be incredibly disrespectful in either region.

I moved out of sight a bit before deciding against it. I didn't need them for anything at the moment and I wasn't jumping at the bit for another argument or to anger whatever legendary they were praying towards. Whoever it was seemed important to them. I quietly returned to my room, leaving them to their own devices.

~xxx~

Although I was tired, I really wasn't in the mood to fall asleep. I wasn't too keen on being haunted by all the violence I had witnessed, just yet. Now that I had time to process I felt better, but not perfect.

Battles are a lot more chaotic than I had imagined, but every time I've encountered them we've gotten out unscathed. Is it luck or are we better than I thought? Donut and Lou have not taken any damage all day despite being in multiple fights, just tired. I know I shouldn't underestimate Benedetto, but it's kind of hard not to when no one can even touch us. Hehe, Volkner and Cynthia would be so proud!

Feeling particularly prideful at that thought, I opened up my bag to examine its contents. Before I released the capsules I looked around just in case they were any cameras before releasing both the stone and the machine. I took out my Pokedex to scan them for information, but then I remembered how Violet oh so easily hacked my Pokedex when we met.

"While I'm still awake I could upgrade my Pokedex too, until then it's all offline." I picked up the rock again and I could once again feel ripples of some invisible force wash over my body. Donut, Lou and Cenza all perked up at its activation and moved in closer. When I touched the ore itself there was still that swift feeling of vertigo before it was replaced by peace.

[C'est magnifique,] Cenza whispered in awe.

I looked at her, then the rock and I thought back to this whole situation. It seemed unbelievable, but here it was in the flesh. "I think I know what this is," I muttered mostly to myself.

I went inside my bag to find a specific book within my book collection, specifically a book about Kalos. I skimmed through the entire book until I found the image I sought. My Pokemon simply stared at me in confusion as I compared the book picture to the rock at my feet.

"This is a key stone ore!" Insanely rare gemstones that can be used in conjunction with mega stones to unlock a Pokemon's full potential. It is said they originated from the Kalos region and can only be used by a human and Pokemon who have a strong, genuine bond. Only the best trainers can master mega evolution.

I can see why Benedetto kept it secure. With something like this he could sell it for a mint if he wanted or use it for himself, though I have to wonder if any Pokemon cares enough about him to mega evolve for him.

[Are key stones special? Cuz that rock isn't normal,] Donut's question pulled me out of my thoughts. [I'm guessing it's a good thing we took it. Right?]

I smiled at him before rubbing his face, causing him to squeak in delight. "You're absolutely right. Key stones can be used with mega stones to mega evolve Pokemon. Basically make them super strong. I don't think Raichu, Vikavolt or Dedenne can Mega Evolve and even if they could we don't have the mega stones to use them. So that kinda sucks, but ah well."

Donut scrunched up his face in confusion while Lou looked positively dejected. [So it's useless to us?]

"Hehe, well they say trainers who carry one begin to get better at reading their Pokemon's feelings and instincts, so that's something. The tradition is to get it cut and then make a band for it to wear on your person. Unfortunately this isn't cut nor do I have a band, so I can't really do much about that."

[Awww. Is the metal arm thingy better?] Cenza asked. Picking it up tentatively, I began to look it over before beginning to try and put it on.

When I strapped it on, it automatically turned on allowing me to adjust the size refitting to fit my arm. There was also a glove to fit my hand inside which also adjusted to fit me. It was an interesting look and it obviously had a purpose, but whatever it was, it wasn't immediately apparent.

"Still have no idea what this does… oh! I should check if there's a tracking device, just in case," I immediately remembered before opening up a capsule revealing my laptop as I began typing away. While I didn't find any tracking signal (somehow) I put a lock on its transmission so it would not and could not release one unless I wanted it to. I then decided to buff the security of my own Pokedex while sending security breach reports to Professor Rowan's lab.

Violet may be a super genius and somewhat on my side, but if it was so easy for her to access all of my Pokedex files without my knowledge then it needs a massive security buff. Also a way to ignore jammers. I hope the professor actually reads this.

After some tinkering I found the weak points in the code and began setting up defensive measures and better alerts. If I were at the Sunyshore Gym I could work on making sure all my devices were jammer proof, but there was only so much I could do on the train with a laptop.

Continuing to type away I upped the security on my laptop just in case Violet decided she was bored and invaded every single piece of technology on this train. After that was done I began looking through the gauntlet's code to figure out its function.

"Designated: Snag Machine? Pokeballs scanned through its program are capable of overriding another trainer's Pokemon and stealing them!?" My voice escalated in shock as I read more.

This was insane. Technology relating to Pokemon can be super complex. We've gotten so desensitized to it, but we can actually fit several tons of a living organism inside one little ball and put it on our belt. Literally anyone can do that.

Not even the most intense heat, extreme cold, spectral energy or even EMP devices can get past their defenses. Whatever flaws Pokeballs had were immediately stamped out.

Only the highest authority of a region would have the ability to affect a pokeball's coding, but all decent regions pride themselves on ensuring the security of your Pokemon in pokeballs, even for extended periods thanks to the emergency stasis function.

So someone was able to program a device that can create Pokeballs that can override someone else's? It seems to be even less effective than traditional capturing. Seems like they were barely able to squeeze past the barrier, but not all their limits.

I turned to the device again. "I wonder if Benedetto planned on selling or using it for himself. Either way, the League should know about this right? Although, if he cares about it so much, I could use it to lure him in and arrest him. I could have Volkner or even Candice back us up."

[What about Violet? I don't really get what you're talking about, but you want to catch my kidnapper right? Can't she help too? I dunno why you two were fighting when you both want the same thing,] Cenza asked with genuine confusion.

I grit my teeth. "We have different mindsets going about it. We are radically different people."

[Radically? What does that even- weird word. If you're trying to say you two are different, I don't think so,] Cenza countered. I rolled my eyes.

"Please Cenza. Zenara was already on my case about this," I pleaded.

[I don't know you two very well, but when she was pulling you through the train I finally got a proper sense of her feelings,] She explained. I had forgotten that fairies were the best at interpreting emotions. One of the gym trainers at home has a Mr. Mime who was always eerily good at knowing how to cheer me up. [She's not a bad human, just a sad one.]

"Then explain how she treats humans. Hm?"

[You don't treat them that differently either Zio…] I turned to Donut at that accusation. He was looking away, but he kept speaking. [I know I'm not one to talk about being a social Beautifly, but you don't… you aren't close with a lot of humans. You never have been. Only a couple and just one of them is around your age. I don't really mind, it means more attention for me, but ummm.]

Donut awkwardly ended off there. If it was anyone else Lou prolly would've assaulted them for slandering my good name, but this time it was Donut. My second in command and thus his superior. He was inclined to listen to his opinions and thus didn't say anything.

The only real friend my age is Jade. I always thought that was all I really needed. A little bit of human interaction and I could supplement the rest with Pokemon and I'd be fine. My opinions and interest in humanity was relatively low unless they related to Pokemon themselves.

Donut decided to take my silence as a reason to keep going. [I know you say you're okay that your parents are gone and most of the time that's true, but I know you were lonely for a long time. Roland told me. I'm not saying you have to like Violet or work with her. I'll go with whatever you decide, but I've just been thinking… maybe she's lonely too?]

"Ergh… I guess that makes sense. She doesn't have to be so mean about it though," I pouted. We all sat in awkward silence when there was a knock on the door once again. I scrambled to take off the Snag machine, recovering the item capsules and stored away both items in my bag. Immediately after I opened the door pausing a few seconds before looking straight down to see it was Amethyst.

"Amethyst?" I began looking around. "Where's Violet?"

[She's asleep], she stated calmly, [her and Zenara. Is it alright if I come in and talk with you all?]

"Oh? Uh sure, okay," I stepped aside so she could walk in. She did just that, levitating herself up and onto one of the cushions.

Her eyes darted to Lou. [Oh right, hold on.] There was a slight ripple in my head. [You can talk to them again, but is it okay with you if I say something first?]

Lou nodded. [Of course. I have learned my lesson in speaking out of turn, go on.]

She held one of her paws, her ears curling just a bit tighter. [I'm not one to eavesdrop, but you are kinda using my brain to talk to each other. I got the gist of what you were talking about and…] she looked to me. [Take it easy on Violet, okay? We've… not had the easiest life together. And she blames herself for more than she should.]

I folded my arms and pouted once again. "It's a bit hard to do when she looks at me like I'm a booger and talks to me as though I'm being a difficult child," I paused after I realized what I had said. "A difficult, younger child. I'm positive we're the same age."

She shook her head a bit. [She's a little younger actually, but that's not the point. She's talking to you neutrally. There's… there's a lot of reasons why she hates humans so much, and I'm with her on basically all of them. But just to point one out. I'm sure you've heard people refer to Pokemon as it, right?]

My mind went back to when I had met the Benedetto trio back in the woods, whilst trying to remember past times of that happening. "I… remember Benedetto's goons did that when they talked about Cenza. I think… some other bad trainers I've met before, but they were the minority."

She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. [Don't just mention the specifically awful ones. A lot more humans do it. You'd be surprised by how many humans are dismissive of even those details relating to their Pokemon. Sure, it's not unheard of for them to give us proper respect. But a lot of the time, it's it. I know from experience. Names are also treated like little nicknames, to be changed on a whim.]

She looked dead into my eyes. [Imagine for a moment. Take the way Violet says humans. Think about that being the only way anyone refers to you, and the name Topaz is just that nice thing your Pokemon gave to you but not really that important.]

I rubbed my hair bashfully. This felt like I was being scolded by my teacher. "It doesn't feel… good at all… but I thought Pokemon weren't the same as humans about the importance of names."

[And who exactly told you that?]

Her question caused me to pause once again. Who did tell me that? "I don't remember. It's just what people say… I think I've read it somewhere too. My grandfather never named his Pokemon and Donut took a week to want a name. I just figured it was I dunno. Different."

She just stared sternly. [In the same way that when a Pokemon is called it and they don't immediately attack someone it's different. Right? More Pokemon in Sinnoh have started naming each other again. We passed by a Bibarel dam yesterday and a couple of the Bidoof had names. The Bibarel were so proud, because now that Cynthia's made it so you can't just catch random Pokemon and get away with it? They can name their children something and rest easy knowing that they won't suddenly be ripped away from their home in a Pokeball and 'named' something that they're not. But there's no way for them to tell the human who captured them is that, is there?]

Amethyst continued. [Violet specifically despises how when it's Pokemon doing all the work the human gets the credit. Someone's team. They helped the human win. They're just accessories to their fame. It's in basic terminology that nobody even really thinks about. Nobody except for Violet. And she hates it all .]

When she had finished speaking my mind was blank. These were topics I never thought too deeply about. Surely Volkner and Cynthia did, but… was I so ignorant?

Most of this seemed to fly right over Cenza's head, most of this terminology was totally new to her after all. Lou's face didn't betray any particular feelings, but I knew he had his own thoughts.

[Violet pays attention to everything like that. She makes it a point to know precisely what humans do and work to counteract it. She has a whole list that I'm not gonna go into how much RAM she needed to add to actually hold the whole file. And a perfect example of how far she'll go is what's happening right now. Sure, it's not that late yet. But she's been awake the past three days straight, which includes not only what happened today but walking through the night, pushing logs and helping those Bibarel with their dam, and making absolutely certain to plan everything out that could happen.] She gestured to me and… Donut, Lou and Cenza. [She didn't know it'd be you exactly, but she predicted that this might happen. All because she wants to help me.]

"The look in her eyes… and Nurse Joy's concern at the Pokemon Center… it's because she noticed that Violet hadn't been asleep in days. That she was pushing her limits far beyond what was okay for anyone, much less for her age," My chest felt heavy over the sudden guilt. It wasn't easy to pull my heartstrings, but I can admit when I go too far.

[When I met miss Violet,] Cenza spoke up and we all turned to her. [I found she was a bit intense… I was still a bit shaken, so I wasn't prepared for what I felt when she got close. Now that I'm feeling a bit better, I can tell she might not show it on her face, but she's passionate about helping Amethyst and even me. She gladly gave Donut all those bread circle thingies, but she seemed sad she couldn't get him more. When she saw us at the train station I could feel her sadness because she didn't see Lou with us. She's a very genuine human… like you, Topaz.]

Donut flicked his ears, turning all eyes on him. [I don't want to seem biased, but Violet did feed me. Seriously though, I don't think I've ever met a human who cared so much getting me some pastries. It's a bit much, but her heart is in the right place and I'll never say no to more sweets.]

Donut and Cenza both stared at Lou who looked momentarily baffled before he spoke. [I do not appreciate the way she speaks to General Topaz, but I will not lie. I find her drive respectable. To an extent! I have no desire to be coddled or for anyone to fight my battles for me, remember that!]

[You only want Zio to coddle you, don't you?] Donut teased, causing Lou to fume and huff before he looked back to Amethyst. [You care a lot about Violet huh? Most Pokemon even if they could wouldn't try to reason with Topaz like this. I was basically conditioned to care about whoever picked me as their starter, but I've noticed it's different for former wild Pokemon. Such as Lou. Or you.]

She nodded to him, smiling a bit. [You're perceptive. We've been together since… around when she was five. There wasn't any trainer and starter relationship, she just… well. None of you even know why we're going after Benedetto specifically do you?] She glanced at Cenza. [Though if anyone was gonna guess, I'd place my bets on you getting it right.]

Cenza squinted her eyes before realization came upon her. [He got to you too? The kidnapper?]

She nodded again. [He wasn't the head of a whole group at the time, but yes. He had the hots for some girl in Sinnoh and caught me, brought me here and showed me off. She said she didn't like me because of my eyes being 'too creepy'. So he did what most humans do and decided that I wasn't worth the trouble and just released me. Violet was the only one who was kind and did everything she could to help me adapt. Of course, she was five, so she couldn't get me back to Kalos, but she was willing to die to find me a home I could be happy in. Not one around humans.] She smiled.

[My home ended up being with her too, but we've been around. Before she was a trainer officially she was out in the wild, helping me and teaching herself what no human would. And a couple weeks ago she discovered Benedetto was coming to Sinnoh for the Wallace Cup.] She sighed. [I couldn't get her to sleep for days with how hard she was working to make sure we caught him…]

She then looked at us all. [I want to pay him my own special version of thanks for abandoning me in a region with no way home. And she knows that. That's why she's so intent on the League not getting to him first. Sure, he'll be taken into custody and his band of smugglers disbanded and that'll be that. But I'd never really get closure, and she's not going to let that happen.]

Lou gave an affirmative grunt. [I see. Benedetto is your bane and he must be brutalized. I understand the sentiment well, I also have an archnemesis.]

Donut rolled his eyes. [Again with the birds?]

Lou ignored him and continued speaking. [The way you spoke about him, there was more to it than a disdain for his capture of your regional brothers and sisters. This Pangoro you mentioned. I presume he was the one responsible for your subjugation?]

[Yup, that's the one.] She sighed. [At the time I didn't really know how to handle dark type moves and they're both assholes.] She then looked to Lou and me specifically. [We know we can take him because we've been working on this for ages. Besides, weathering Sinnoh for years and years isn't something you do if you're used to milling about on a couch all the time.]

"O-oh," It took me a second to process all this. Amethyst seemingly being Benedetto's first victim wasn't a complete shock. While she wasn't a part of his operation, she suffered just the same as Cenza. Violet even as a child took care of her and saved her, but judging by what she said they've been on the road for a long time. "You mentioned weathering Sinnoh for years and years. Were you two homeless? You say you've been on the road for years, but it sounds like she's been traveling before she was even 10."

She just shook her head. [That's not my question to answer. I can tell you my past, but I'm not telling hers until she wants to.] She chuckled a bit. [Though some free info is that she's not a fan of her 'birthing humans' as she calls them.]

It's always the parents that screw up. Abandoning their children, forcing them to grow up. It's a running theme.

I exhaled deeply letting those thoughts flow to the back of my mind. My mixed emotions about my father's disappearance and mother's abandonment were not relevant right now. Though I felt like I could understand them a bit better.

[You have acquired yourself an exceptional general, Amethyst. I have encountered countless bad apples during my service, but if she is willing to go to such extents then I am proud to call her an ally. I am also even further motivated to track down this Benedetto and Pangoro. I've had my fair share of the weak suffering to the strong. I do not care if it is the circle of life! I was born with these pincers to fight for innocent citizens or die trying!] Lou proclaimed. I knew if he could he'd be puffing out his chest, but instead his body surged with power a moment.

[I know not what this Pangoro may look like, but the darkness shirks at my power!]

[For once he is correct about that,] Donut shrugged his shoulders. [I had a feeling there was more to it with both of you. You carry yourselves differently than any Pokemon or human pair I've ever met. Now I understand why.]

[Indeed! You must all visit Sunyshore City, our headquarters, after we vanquish your archnemesis. There we can test our mettle and climb to even greater heights!] Lou announced.

She just laughed. [You're a fun bunch. Thank you. Really.] She levitated herself up. [I should get to sleep myself, I have some ass to kick tomorrow. Just like all of you, and Violet. But before I go, please just remember. Violet is the kindest, smartest human I've ever met. She's family. Even if she doesn't feel like she's worth… much, she's worth so much to me. So go easy on her okay? And compliment her eyes. They're very nice.]

With that she gave a small wave, opened the door and paused in the exit. [Oh, and Topaz? Just think on what we told you, okay? Violet trusts that you're a human who can change and be better than the rest of your species. And I trust her.] And then she walked back down the corridor, to the dark, unfurnished, lonely boxcar that Violet and Zenara were sleeping in.

Donut, Lou and Cenza all looked quite content with that conversation.

Shortly after that the ticket master came with all our meals allowing us to eat at the table watching the train past by Pastoria City. The food was needed for all of us, but my mind kept going back to what she said.

Violet believes I can change… she believes I can make a difference… The human who hates humans more than anyone else thinks I can be better. Both of them placed their faith in me, just as Donut and Lou do. They've lived arduous lives. Violet isn't like this because she wants to be and Amethyst rightfully resents the man that stranded her alone in a foreign land. They had to become strong in order to survive Sinnoh, strong and intelligent. They know the risks and yet they are taking them because it's the right thing to do and they want to.

I bit into my sandwich and stared into the reflection in the window glass. My face was ragged from everything I've done today and I wasn't the one who had been up for three days.

I suppose everyone has a story. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes and you'll understand every awkward pebble inside that makes them so cranky, right? Initiative… Everyone else is so gungho and sure of themselves and yet I'm still doubting myself, running to the League for help. I'm not a part of any organization, I'm just a kid who wants to make a difference. I don't need to be a part of anything to do that. We will save those Pokemon. We will defeat Benedetto. We will have justice. We will have revenge.

"Just gotta keep on, keepin' on…" The words just slipped from my mind as I began to fiddle with my necklace. My thoughts slipped back to the Snag Machine as I decided to do a little more digging on it. I tried to do a reverse image search of the logo I had found in the snag machine when I had first found it and got a result.

"Team Cipher, eh? Now who are they?" With a bit more research I found my answer: dangerous Orre criminals. Though I suppose calling Orre dangerous is redundant.

Hoenn has two neighboring regions connected to the mainland and they could not be any more different. First we have Fiore, the lush mountainous ranger region where there are only four major human settlements. Pokemon roam free and humans live simple lives. It is a peaceful and small region.

Orre is Fiore's unsavory brother. Half of it is somewhat green, but the other half is barren wasteland devoid of life. Although it is a trainer region, there is no League to police the entirety of it. According to recent history it has been plagued by countless crime syndicates causing what few human establishments to become unpleasant places and all denizens of the region to become wary of others.

They used to import Pokemon for security, but that's a practice that has mostly ceased. Volkner told me that other Leagues have offered aid, but the corrupt politicians always refuse for whatever reason.

Now that I knew the source of the machine, it was really no surprise that it came from Orre. For such a desolate place to live in, their technology was top notch and with such loose laws they could get away with anything.

I'm surprised no renegade has decided to straighten it out yet.

"Disconcerting to say the least. Benedetto has been around, but I suppose lots of Orre denizens would love some Kalos Pokemon," I muttered half to myself before taking another bite of my sandwich. I looked away from the computer to find the other Pokemon only to see all three curled up together in one of the large Pokemon beds. "That's my queue then," I stretched before changing into something more comfortable and heading to bed.

After I turned off the lights I just laid there in bed for a solid 10 minutes without daring to go to sleep. Conveniently all the terrible images I had witnessed today came back right at this specific moment to haunt me and until they left I was not going to sleep. After another 10 minutes of silence I heard rustling from the bed and the distinct feeling of 3 new entities on the bed.

[Your stress woke us up. Close your eyes and accept snuggles,] Donut's tired voice echoed through my head before I felt him cozy up around my chest. Lou and Cenza found their own spaces to get comfortable before going back to sleep. I could feel a teardrop escape my eye before I quickly blinked it away.

With that peace I was finally able to go to close my eyes. My mind trailed off to focus on the hum of the train as it rode the tracks all the way to Highshire.

~Next Morning~

By the time the train had reached its destination, I had gotten ready for the day along with the rest of my team. I hadn't seen Violet since last night, but I was sure Amethyst would have woken her up in time to get off the train. When I got off the train I let out a huge yawn, rubbing my eyes to stay awake. I was not keen on waking up so early after yesterday's events. I carried Lou in my arms while Donut and Cenza relaxed in my bag.

When I stepped off the platform I immediately noticed Amethyst, Zenara and Violet were already there waiting for us. Violet's eyes definitely looked significantly better than they did yesterday, but I could tell she still needed sleep. Amethyst was bright eyed as ever, meanwhile Zenara was half asleep in Violet's arms.

Immediately upon spying Zenara's sleepy expression Lou began his usual. [Attention, soldier! We've got scouting to do!]

Zenara's eyes snapped open, and she immediately started flailing. Violet set her down gently before she looked at Lou, saluting with her tail. [Right Lou Lou! How'd you all sleep?]

[Fine.]

[Serendipitously, of course!]

[Geniale! Much better than a cage,] Cenza said genuinely cheerful.

Immediately Zenara's eyes went big and she turned to Cenza. [We gotta make sure you and all your friends have comfy beds!]

Violet gave a small smile to Zenara before looking at me. The smile went away, but she didn't look as… willing to slice me to shreds with her tongue as she did other humans. "I presume you are prepared?"

"Yes, we are," I stopped mid sentence when I remembered what Amethyst had told us yesterday. I felt a bit awkward, but I decided to give it a go. "I'm sorry about yesterday. I was feeling pretty conflicted yesterday and a bit out of it. I'm all in now."

[Pssst, you're forgetting something,] Cenza not subtly mind whispered to me.

"Sigh…. I'm not saying that , but I will say this," I stared into Violet's eyes. "I respect your determination to help Pokemon. You make a… difficult first impression, but I think you're a good person. The way you look at Pokemon even reminds me of the rangers a bit and everyone trusts them."

The whole time I'd been speaking, one of her eyebrows kept raising. At this point I was concerned if it was still attached to her face. "This is abrupt."

I rubbed the back of my head awkwardly. "Let's just say I had a bit of a midnight revelation. Even Donut and Lou like you and their standards are in totally different places."

Lou sputtered at the inclusion of his name. [General please!]

Donut popped out of the bag. [Come on now, Lou, don't be shy.] Donut then began staring intently at Violet before continuing. [Oh, your eyes are really pretty, Violet. I'm impressed.]

[Oooh lemme see!] Cenza popped out as well and her eyes practically glowed. [I didn't notice yesterday, but they are so beautiful! They remind me of the flower! Lou, aren't they nice?]

Lou grumbled a bit before answering. [I will admit the intensity and knowledge behind those eyes is admirable. Weaker quarry would crumble if she were to glare.] He turned to Cenza before continuing. [Now that is a far better and more informative compliment than simply calling them 'pretty' or 'flowery' I might add.]

[Excusez-moi! Your compliment is far too rugged and… weird. Is that even a compliment?] Cenza genuinely asked Donut who was visibly shocked. [Uh, Donut?]

[Wow, I… Usually the best compliments he gives are 'You did not break as easily as I thought' or 'I almost had to try'. Granted there are some exceptions, but I am still surprised,] Donut shrugged, obviously amused.

Lou began sputtering and squirming in my arms even more at that as the three of them bickered. The whole affair was exceedingly amusing to me frankly. I had always imagined that the reason why Lou doesn't always go off the rails is because Donut keeps him tempered with sass and apathy. Who knew I was right?

[Thank you, truly.] We turned to see Violet bowing to them. Not me of course, but them. Regardless, I was shocked. [I do not take myself as worthy of such praise from ones such as yourselves, but I thank you all the same.]

Amethyst bumped Violet's leg with a paw, grinning. [Toldja more'n me thinks you're cool.] She was then swept up in a hug from Violet, which she gladly returned.
Zenara meanwhile was jumping in joy. [Yay you made up! Now we can kick bad guy butt together and not fight over dumb things!]

Violet nodded, gently setting Amethyst down and showing she was crying. "Indeed." She then gazed at us all. This time though, she looked even more neutral than before. Not in a bad way, in a more… relaxed way. "Let us go. I intend to save Cenza's friends and bring justice to Benedetto with you all by nightfall."

"You're right, this ends today. By our hand," I smirked, feeling truly confident and uplifted once again. I had slept off the stress from yesterday, ready for anything today.

The Pokemon on my side seemed a bit stunned by Violet's sudden display, but were quickly stirred by my declaration. [Yeah, you're both right… we'll save them all.] Donut's expression was oddly determined which was funny to see on his sleepy adorable face.

Lou bzzted in gleeful glory. [Our camaraderie is leagues beyond whatever those cravens can muster! They shall all fall in the end, with our compatriots rescued!]

Cenza looked at everyone before giving them all a big smile. [Thank you everyone. None of you had to do this, especially since I can't even help you all that much. I'll do my best though to keep sending bonne vibes!]

Violet simply shook her head. [You did more than enough simply by escaping. It falls to us to carry the torch you passed to us now.] She motioned her head towards the town. "Come, let us find the specific corruption we are looking for within this monument to human avarice."

One of the passengers walking by us on the train station glanced at Violet and gave her a very odd look. She paid them no mind. I nodded in agreement as we began making our way off the train platform.

Highshire, here we are.

~xxx~

As Topaz, Violet and their Pokemon companions made their way off the train station one the passenger that had just walked by continued on their way pondering why two vagabonds had bothered to visit this particular town of all places. Immediately disinterested with the notion of conversing with rapscallions so early in the morning they continued walking down the platform till an ominous giggle gave them pause.

"Children should be seen, not heard," She muttered to herself, clutching her luxury purse.

"What if the children can only be heard and never seen?" Whispered a cold voice next to the woman's cheek. A white hand appeared on the woman's right shoulder, clenching it tightly. "What does that make me, miss?"

" Ghost! I abscond you, I deny you, I beseech you! Arceus take me!" The lady shrieked in panic, gaining many confused onlookers as it appeared to them a grown woman was throwing a tantrum on a train station.

"They say the mind is the first to go."

"Who let her out without a caretaker?"

"Come dear, we are witnessing a mental breakdown."

"Arceus may not take you today, but a showgirl has to take fair payment. No?"

The woman ceased her shrieking at that line. She began surveying the area in a sweaty panic, ignoring all the onlookers actively calling her crazy. When she went to clutch her purse again she found it was missing.

"What in the name of? Which wretch stole my purse!? " The woman began stomping the ground in seething rage, her entire face turning red. Meanwhile a young girl and woman made their way off the platform, concealing their giggles.

"That was perfect ! Great job, Hecate! Galena, you've got to teach me how you did that!" The young girl skipped with an infectiously cheerful step. She wore a black and purple witch's costume, complete with a large hat and witch's satchel. The only somewhat out of place part was a large, fluffy stylized orange and deep brown tiger striped scarf with white ends. Next to her a Misdreavus appeared giggling madly.

"Practice, quick fingers and some know-how are all you really need." The woman was wearing a long sleeved dark gray shirt, navy blue jeans with the knees worn to holes, a brown leather belt, steel toed pitch black combat boots and was twirling a Munchlax capsule between her fingers with practiced ease. "A shame really, capsules make getting away with it almost too easy."

"That's okay, Hecate can make any situation exciting!" The young girl praised her ghost companion who preened under the compliment. "Hopefully that boy makes it a bit more fun. Oooh, can I pickpocket him?"

The woman just put a hand on her shoulder. "Not just yet Jubi. Dramatic timing, after all. Someone has to teach the boy that shouting about secret plans on a train platform isn't the smartest life decision he's made. I'll handle it if it's anything major, but otherwise? I'll let you know when you can go for it."

The young girl pranced with delight before hugging the woman. The hug caused her hat to fall off her head, but Hecate caught it with her own head. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been practicing my dramatic entrances too! Watch this," She jumped and made finger guns at some poor confused bastard. "Your ass is grass, mister!"

The man looked beyond concerned and confused, but one look from the woman was enough for him to know he should leave as fast as he could. He practically scrambled away in fear and the girl jumped for joy.

"I did it! I made my first dramatic entrance! I can't wait for the next one."

The woman just smiled warmly, ruffling the girl's hair. "Just remember to do it after you pickpocket him, not before. A dramatic entrance is made all the more dramatic if you're holding something of theirs over their head."

"Oooooh! You're so smart Galena! I wonder if I should write this down? Nah, we've got it! He'll never see it coming!" The girl giggled once again as she began playing hopscotch on the tiles of the train station. "To steal from a big bad man like Benedetto right from under our noses too? Risque!"

The woman shrugged. "No big deal if they can't even hold onto it, right?" She spun the man's hat around a finger before putting it on with a smirk. "And we can make a couple detours along the way. You can practice your skills on all these gutless blokes."

"Jubilee is on the case!" She saluted. She waved her hand in the direction of Hecate and her hat flew off with a sparkly trail before landing neatly on her head. "Hecate and I will show him we're super duper serious. Whatever Dispetto wants, Dispetto will get."

~Chapter 15 Fin~